Avoiding Provocation of China... US Department of Defense Delays ICBM Minuteman III Test Launch

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The Joe Biden administration has postponed the test launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) 'Minuteman-3,' the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 4th (local time), citing government officials. Amid escalating US-China tensions over Taiwan, this decision is interpreted as an effort to avoid provoking China.

According to the report, the US Air Force had originally planned to conduct the Minuteman-3 test launch, called 'Glory Trip,' this week at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, but it has been postponed. The decision to delay was reportedly directed by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to avoid further deterioration of relations with China, according to a defense official. He explained, "Although it was a long-planned test launch, it was postponed to eliminate any misunderstandings considering China's actions around Taiwan."

The Chinese People's Liberation Army is currently conducting large-scale military exercises, including live-fire drills near Taiwan, in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. On the 4th, they launched 11 missiles into the waters surrounding Taiwan, which is interpreted as a training exercise to deter US intervention in case of an emergency.

The United States conducts several regular 'Glory Trip' test launches annually to assess the reliability of the ICBM weapon system. However, in March, the Minuteman-3 test launch was postponed once due to concerns over rising tensions with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.